During the rainy season in Brazil,landslides can have catastrophic consequences,including loss of life,damage to urban infrastructure and significant economic impacts.Now,more than eight million people in Brazil live ...During the rainy season in Brazil,landslides can have catastrophic consequences,including loss of life,damage to urban infrastructure and significant economic impacts.Now,more than eight million people in Brazil live in disaster-prone areas.The objective of this article is to present a chronological review of the principal policies and programmes at the national,state,and municipal levels,with an emphasis on their key actions aimed at mitigating the impact of disasters related to natural hazards,particularly landslides.Our analysis was based on official records of public policies from the national,state,and municipal governments.The results show that several initiatives were initially developed at the local and regional level.However,it was not until the late 1980s that a comprehensive organisation of civil protection at the national level emerged as a response measure.It is possible to highlight three phases(understanding,coexistence,and prevention)of institutional action focused on risk management in the face of disasters.Despite the growing knowledge of risk scenarios,disasters continue to occur in Brazil on an annual basis,revealing several obstacles to reducing their impact,particularly given the social and economic disparities between Brazilian regions and the applicability of public policies that must overcome the limitations of each municipality.展开更多
Objective:To characterize chemokine receptor CCR5 expression on the conjunctival epithelium in dry eye syndromes.Methods:Conjunctival impression cytology samples were obtained from normal subjects(n=15)and patients wi...Objective:To characterize chemokine receptor CCR5 expression on the conjunctival epithelium in dry eye syndromes.Methods:Conjunctival impression cytology samples were obtained from normal subjects(n=15)and patients with dry eye syndrome(n=45).Cells were harvested from impression cytology samples,and flow cytometry was performed to quantitatively analyze the cell surface expression of chemokine receptor CCR5.Characterization of CCR5-positive cells was done by 2-color flow cytometry using fluorescein-conjugated anti-CCR5 and phycoerythrin-conjugated anti-CD45 antibodies(whereCD45 is a marker for bone marrow-derivedcells).To study CCR5 messenger RNA transcripts,real-time polymerase chain reaction was done on RNA isolated from the impression cytology samples of normal subjects(n=5)and patients with dry eye syndrome(n=14).Results:We found significant upregulation in cell surface expression of CCR5 in patients with both aqueous tear-deficient and evaporative forms of dry eye syndrome(P <.001).The real-time polymerase chain reaction results(for messenger RNA)corroborated the flow cytometry data(for protein).The majority of the cells expressing CCR5 were non-bone marrow-derived resident epithelial cells of the conjunctiva.Conclusion:Our findings suggest that CCR5 up-regulation is significantly associated with dry eye syndrome-associated ocular surface disease.Clinical Relevance:Chemokine receptor CCR5 or its ligands may serve as useful targets for modulation of tissue immunoinflammatory responses in dry eye syndromes.展开更多
AIM:To evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of administering a combined therapy in patients with dry eye syndrome(DES)and associated laryngopharyngeal reflux(LPR).METHODS:The study was retrospective,open,observation...AIM:To evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of administering a combined therapy in patients with dry eye syndrome(DES)and associated laryngopharyngeal reflux(LPR).METHODS:The study was retrospective,open,observational,and conducted in a real-life setting.Patients had pathological symptom assessment in dry eye(SANDE)and reflux symptom index(RSI)at baseline.Patients were re-assessed after 1mo and at the end of treatment.The treatment consisted of a three-month course based on the combined therapy:Gastroftal eye drops,one drop three times a day,and Gastroftal tablets,two tablets after lunch and two tablets after dinner.Tear break-up-time(TBUT)test,Schirmer test,RSI,and SANDE questionnaire were evaluated.RESULTS:The study included 253 patients.The mean age was 58±11.19y.TBUT test score and Schirmer’s test significantly increased(both P<0.001)after 1mo and at the end of treatment.The RSI score and SANDE scores significantly decreased(both P<0.001)after 1mo and at the end of treatment.CONCLUSION:The current,retrospective,and open study shows that combined therapy using Gastroftal eye drops and tablets could represent a valuable option in managing patients with DES associated with LPR.展开更多
EPW is an open-source software for ab initio calculations of electron–phonon interactions and related materials properties.The code combines density functional perturbation theory and maximally localized Wannier func...EPW is an open-source software for ab initio calculations of electron–phonon interactions and related materials properties.The code combines density functional perturbation theory and maximally localized Wannier functions to efficiently compute electron–phonon coupling matrix elements,and to perform predictive calculations of temperature-dependent properties and phonon-assisted quantum processes in bulk solids and low-dimensional materials.Here,we report on significant developments in the code since 2016,namely:a transport module for the calculation of charge carrier mobility under electric and magnetic fields using the Boltzmann transport equation;a superconductivity module for calculations of phonon-mediated superconductors using the anisotropic multi-band Eliashberg theory;an optics module for calculations of phonon-assisted indirect transitions;a module for the calculation of small and large polarons without supercells;and a module for calculating band structure renormalization and temperature-dependent optical spectra using the special displacement method.For each capability,we outline the methodology and implementation and provide example calculations.展开更多
Mice use ultrasonic vocalizations(USVs)to communicate each other and to convey their emotional state.USVs have been greatly characterized in specific life phases and contexts,such as mother isolation-induced USVs for ...Mice use ultrasonic vocalizations(USVs)to communicate each other and to convey their emotional state.USVs have been greatly characterized in specific life phases and contexts,such as mother isolation-induced USVs for pups or female-induced USVs for male mice during courtship.USVs can be acquired by means of specific tools and later analyzed on the base of both quantitative and qualitative parameters.Indeed,different ultrasonic call categories exist and have already been defined.The understanding of different calls meaning is still missing,and it will represent an essential step forward in the field of USVs.They have long been studied in the ethological context,but recently they emerged as a precious instrument to study pathologies characterized by deficits in communication,in particular neurodevelopmental disorders(NDDs),such as autism spectrum disorders.This review covers the topics of USVs characteristics in mice,contexts for USVs emission and factors that modulate their expression.A particular focus will be devoted to mouse USVs in the context of NDDs.Indeed,several NDDs murine models exist and an intense study of USVs is currently in progress,with the aim of both performing an early diagnosis and to find a pharmacological/behavioral intervention to improve patients’quality of life.展开更多
颅内脑电图对癫痫发作模式的研究对癫痫灶的精确定位和指导成功切除有重要作用。它也引出了癫痫发生机制相关的重要病理生理问题。目前,植入硬膜下和深部电极等记录方式已经描述了几种癫痫发作模式(主要是颞叶癫痫和伴有异质新皮层病变...颅内脑电图对癫痫发作模式的研究对癫痫灶的精确定位和指导成功切除有重要作用。它也引出了癫痫发生机制相关的重要病理生理问题。目前,植入硬膜下和深部电极等记录方式已经描述了几种癫痫发作模式(主要是颞叶癫痫和伴有异质新皮层病变的癫痫)。研究分析了53例患者的连续性队列资料,所有患者均行立体定向脑电图(SEEG)监测,且病理证实为皮质发育畸形(Malformation of cortical development,MCD)——局灶性皮质发育不良(Focal cortical dysplasia,FCD)和神经发育肿瘤(Neurodevelopmental tumors,NDTs)。通过对视觉和时间-频率的分析,证实了存在6种癫痫发作模式:低压快波活动(Low-voltage fast activity,LVFA);发作前棘波继之LVFA;爆发性多棘波继之LVFA;慢波/直流电漂移继之LVFA;θ或α尖波;节律性棘波/棘波。结果表明包含LVFA的模式(83%)普遍性较高,但是LVFA并不是癫痫发作的一个固定特征。癫痫发作模式和组织学类型具有相关性(P=0.01)。更加普遍的模式如下:(1)FCDⅠ型:LVFA占23.1%,慢波/基线漂移继之LVFA占15.4%;(2)FCDⅡ型:爆发性多棘波继之LVFA占31%,LVFA占27.6%;发作前棘波继之LVFA占27.6%;(3)NDTs:LVFA占54.5%。发现包含LVFA的癫痫发作模式与较好的手术预后具有相关性,但癫痫灶切除的完整性是一个独立预测因子;FCD和NDTs有6种不同的癫痫发作模式;包含LVFA的癫痫发作模式的患者手术预后更好。展开更多
This study evaluated the effect of item inversion on the construct validity and reliability of psychometric scales and proposed a theoretical framework for the evaluation of the psychometric properties of data gathere...This study evaluated the effect of item inversion on the construct validity and reliability of psychometric scales and proposed a theoretical framework for the evaluation of the psychometric properties of data gathered with psychometric instruments. To this propose, we used the Maslach Burnout Inventory, which is the most used psychometric inventory to measure burnout in different professional context (Students, Teachers, Police, Doctors, Nurses, etc…). The version of the MBI used was the MBI-Student Survey (MBI-SS). This inventory is composed of three key dimensions: Exhaustion, Cynicism and Professional Efficacy. The two first dimensions—which have positive formulated items—are moderate to strong positive correlated, and show moderate to strong negative correlations with the 3rd dimension—which has negative formulated items. We tested the hypothesis that, in college students, formulating the 3rd dimension of burnout as Inefficacy (reverting the negatively worded items in the Efficacy dimension) improves the correlation of the 3rd dimension with the other two dimensions, improves its internal consistency, and the overall MBI-SS’ construct validity and reliability. Confirmatory factor analysis results, estimated by Maximum Likelihood, revealed adequate factorial fit for both forms of the MBI-SS (with Efficacy) vs. the MBI-SSi (with Inefficacy). Also both forms showed adequate convergent and discriminant related validity. However, reliability and convergent validity were higher for the MBI-SSi. There were also stronger (positive) correlations between the 3 factors in MBI-SSi than the ones observed in MBI-SS. Results show that positively rewording of the 3rd dimension of the MBI-SS improves its validity and reliability. We therefore propose that the 3rd dimension of the MBI-SS should be named Professional Inefficacy and its items should be positively worded.展开更多
BACKGROUND During the COVID-19 pandemic,the implementation of telemedicine has represented a new potential option for outpatient care.The aim of our study was to evaluate digital literacy among cardiology outpatients....BACKGROUND During the COVID-19 pandemic,the implementation of telemedicine has represented a new potential option for outpatient care.The aim of our study was to evaluate digital literacy among cardiology outpatients.METHODS From March to June 2020,a survey on telehealth among cardiology outpatients was performed.Digital literacy was investigated through six main domains:age;sex;educational level;internet access;availability of internet sources;knowledge and use of teleconference software programs.RESULTS The study included 1067 patients,median age 70 years,41.3%females.The majority of the patients(58.0%)had a secondary school degree,but among patients aged≥75 years old the most represented educational level was primary school or none.Overall,for internet access,there was a splitting between"never"(42.1%)and"every day"(41.0%),while only 2.7%answered"at least 1/month"and 14.2%"at least 1/week".In the total population,the most used devices for internet access were smartphones(59.0%),and WhatsApp represented the most used app(57.3%).Internet users were younger compared to non-internet users(63 vs.78 years old,respectively)and with a higher educational level.Age and educational level were associated with nonuse of internet(age-per 10-year increase odds ratio(OR)=3.07,95%CI:2.54-3.71,secondary school OR=0.18,95%CI:0.12-0.26,university OR=0.05,95%CI:0.02-0.10).CONCLUSIONS Telemedicine represents an appealing option to implement medical practice,and for its development it is important to address the gaps in patients’digital skills,with age and educational level being key factors in this setting.展开更多
Axon degeneration and regeneration are processes that are central to neural insults including spinal cord iniury, brain trauma, ischemia, infection, inflammation, neuro- degenerative diseases, and aging （Conforti et ...Axon degeneration and regeneration are processes that are central to neural insults including spinal cord iniury, brain trauma, ischemia, infection, inflammation, neuro- degenerative diseases, and aging （Conforti et al., 2014）. Injured axons undergo progressive self-destruction, termed ＂Wallerian degeneration＂, which is named after August Volney Waller who was the first to describe de- generation of severed nerves in 1850 - the injured nerve fibers become fragmented like threaded beads and are gradually cleared away.展开更多
Background: Pain perception may result from orthodontic treatment and should be considered in clinical management. Its assessment should not be limited to the intensity of perceived pain but should also consider the p...Background: Pain perception may result from orthodontic treatment and should be considered in clinical management. Its assessment should not be limited to the intensity of perceived pain but should also consider the psychosocial and behavioral aspects involved. Objective: The aims of this study were to adapt and validate the Multidimensional Pain Inventory (MPI) for orthodontic patients, and present a proposal to calculate an overall score of the pain-related aspects and compare these scores with the usual methodology used. Methods: Face validity of the MPI was estimated and orthodontic version (MPI-Orthodontic) was developed. Factorial validity was evaluated by confirmatory analysis. Convergent and discriminant validity and reliability were estimated. The fit of Second-Order Hierarchical Models was estimated. Concurrent validity of MPI-Orthodontic was evaluated against the Visual Analogue Scale. Invariance of the factorial models was evaluated for independent samples and according to sex and age. Overall score was calculated using the matrix of regression weights and compared to simple arithmetic mean. Results: 507 individuals (63.3% women;age: 26.32 (SD = 11.70) years) participated. For the fit of Part I (psychosocial aspects) of the MPI-Orthodontic, it added correlation between two items and excluded one item;for Part II (behavioral aspects) two items were excluded. The models presented adequate fit to the sample. Reliability was adequate. MPI-Orthodontic presented invariance for independent samples and adequate concurrent and divergent validity. Score obtained with the simple arithmetic mean was overestimated for Part I and underestimated for Part II. Conclusion: MPI-Orthodontic was valid, reliable and invariant for the evaluation of the orthodontic pain. It is recommended to calculate overall weighted scores for pain assessment.展开更多
Formation of new blood vessels is paramount for tumour growth and metastatic dissemination and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is one of the key regulators of this process. The purpose of this study was to e...Formation of new blood vessels is paramount for tumour growth and metastatic dissemination and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is one of the key regulators of this process. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the immunohistochemical expression of VEGF in 23 splenic hemangiosarcomas and 7 splenic hemangiomas in dogs. Blood tests performed previous to splenectomy were analysed for correlation with tumour VEGF expression. Results showed significantly higher VEGF expression in hemangiosarcomas than hemangiomas and lower hematocrit values and red cell count in dogs affected with malignant neoplasia (P < 0.05). These findings suggest the presence of high VEGF levels may be related to the malignant vascular proliferation seen in hemangiosarcomas.展开更多
This paper presents a novel analysis tool based on partial discharge(PD)pulses waveform to determinate deterioration process as the fault evolves carbonizing the insulating medium in epoxy resin specimens.The PD pulse...This paper presents a novel analysis tool based on partial discharge(PD)pulses waveform to determinate deterioration process as the fault evolves carbonizing the insulating medium in epoxy resin specimens.The PD pulses were acquired in the laboratory under controlled conditions;specially designed specimens were tested with a tip-flat electrode configuration immersed in a thermostable polymer(epoxy resin).Then,in the processing step,all acquired PD pulses were characterized with the Shannon entropy,and its variations along the deterioration process were studied.It was observed that the dispersion of this quantity increases with the deterioration of the medium,which allowed identifying different deterioration stages.The evolution of the deterioration has a correlation with the appearance of a greater number of pulses,whose entropy values diverge from average value(close to 2).These new pulses were analyzed using signal processing tools.It was found that there are important differences in the spectral content of each family,in the time-scale characteristics and in the energy distribution of the same frequency bands corresponding to each pulses family.In this work,the deterioration of epoxy resin specimens was characterized throughout the modifications observed in the characteristics of PD pulses during the entire failure process.It could be verified that there is information about the deterioration of the medium contained in the characteristics of the analyzed pulses.展开更多
基金supported by the National Council for Scientific and Technological Development(Grant No.310709/2020-2 and 409314/2023-4)the São Paulo Research Foundation(Grant No.2022/13591-6 and 2021/04621-6).
文摘During the rainy season in Brazil,landslides can have catastrophic consequences,including loss of life,damage to urban infrastructure and significant economic impacts.Now,more than eight million people in Brazil live in disaster-prone areas.The objective of this article is to present a chronological review of the principal policies and programmes at the national,state,and municipal levels,with an emphasis on their key actions aimed at mitigating the impact of disasters related to natural hazards,particularly landslides.Our analysis was based on official records of public policies from the national,state,and municipal governments.The results show that several initiatives were initially developed at the local and regional level.However,it was not until the late 1980s that a comprehensive organisation of civil protection at the national level emerged as a response measure.It is possible to highlight three phases(understanding,coexistence,and prevention)of institutional action focused on risk management in the face of disasters.Despite the growing knowledge of risk scenarios,disasters continue to occur in Brazil on an annual basis,revealing several obstacles to reducing their impact,particularly given the social and economic disparities between Brazilian regions and the applicability of public policies that must overcome the limitations of each municipality.
文摘Objective:To characterize chemokine receptor CCR5 expression on the conjunctival epithelium in dry eye syndromes.Methods:Conjunctival impression cytology samples were obtained from normal subjects(n=15)and patients with dry eye syndrome(n=45).Cells were harvested from impression cytology samples,and flow cytometry was performed to quantitatively analyze the cell surface expression of chemokine receptor CCR5.Characterization of CCR5-positive cells was done by 2-color flow cytometry using fluorescein-conjugated anti-CCR5 and phycoerythrin-conjugated anti-CD45 antibodies(whereCD45 is a marker for bone marrow-derivedcells).To study CCR5 messenger RNA transcripts,real-time polymerase chain reaction was done on RNA isolated from the impression cytology samples of normal subjects(n=5)and patients with dry eye syndrome(n=14).Results:We found significant upregulation in cell surface expression of CCR5 in patients with both aqueous tear-deficient and evaporative forms of dry eye syndrome(P <.001).The real-time polymerase chain reaction results(for messenger RNA)corroborated the flow cytometry data(for protein).The majority of the cells expressing CCR5 were non-bone marrow-derived resident epithelial cells of the conjunctiva.Conclusion:Our findings suggest that CCR5 up-regulation is significantly associated with dry eye syndrome-associated ocular surface disease.Clinical Relevance:Chemokine receptor CCR5 or its ligands may serve as useful targets for modulation of tissue immunoinflammatory responses in dry eye syndromes.
文摘AIM:To evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of administering a combined therapy in patients with dry eye syndrome(DES)and associated laryngopharyngeal reflux(LPR).METHODS:The study was retrospective,open,observational,and conducted in a real-life setting.Patients had pathological symptom assessment in dry eye(SANDE)and reflux symptom index(RSI)at baseline.Patients were re-assessed after 1mo and at the end of treatment.The treatment consisted of a three-month course based on the combined therapy:Gastroftal eye drops,one drop three times a day,and Gastroftal tablets,two tablets after lunch and two tablets after dinner.Tear break-up-time(TBUT)test,Schirmer test,RSI,and SANDE questionnaire were evaluated.RESULTS:The study included 253 patients.The mean age was 58±11.19y.TBUT test score and Schirmer’s test significantly increased(both P<0.001)after 1mo and at the end of treatment.The RSI score and SANDE scores significantly decreased(both P<0.001)after 1mo and at the end of treatment.CONCLUSION:The current,retrospective,and open study shows that combined therapy using Gastroftal eye drops and tablets could represent a valuable option in managing patients with DES associated with LPR.
基金This research is supported by:the Computational Materials Sciences Program funded by the U.S.Department of Energy,Office of Science,Basic Energy Sciences,under Award No.DE-SC0020129(project coordination,scale-up,polaron module,transport module,optics module,special displacement module)the National Science Foundation,Office of Advanced Cyberinfrastructure and Division of Materials Research under Grants Nos.2103991 and 2035518(superconductivity module,interoperability)+9 种基金the NSF Characteristic Science Applications for the Leadership Class Computing Facility program under Grant No.2139536(prepara-tion for LCCF)the Fond National de la Recherche Scientifique of Belgium(F.R.S.-FNRS)and the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation program under grant agreements No.881603-Graphene Core3(transport module)the NSF DMREF award 2119555(quasi-degenerate perturbation theory module)This research used resources of the National Energy Research Scientific Computing Center and the Argonne Leadership Computing Facility,which are DOE Office of Science User Facilities supported by the Office of Science of the U.S.Department of Energy,under Contracts No.DE-AC02-05CH11231 and DE-AC02-06CH11357,respectivelyThe authors acknowledge the Texas Advanced Computing Center(TACC)at The University of Texas at Austin for providing access to Frontera,Lonestar6,and Texascale Days,which have contributed to the research results reported within this paper(http://www.tacc.utexas.edu)the Extreme Science and Engineering Discovery Environment(XSEDE)218 which is supported by National Science Foundation grant number ACI-1548562in particular Expanse at the San Diego Supercomputer Center through allocation TG-DMR180071.S.Packnowl-edges computational resources provided by the PRACE award granting access to Discoverer in SofiaTech,Bulgaria(OptoSpin project id.2020225411)by the Consortium desÉquipements de Calcul Intensif(CÉCI),funded by the FRS-FNRS under Grant No.2.5020.11the Walloon Region,as well as computational resources awarded on th
文摘EPW is an open-source software for ab initio calculations of electron–phonon interactions and related materials properties.The code combines density functional perturbation theory and maximally localized Wannier functions to efficiently compute electron–phonon coupling matrix elements,and to perform predictive calculations of temperature-dependent properties and phonon-assisted quantum processes in bulk solids and low-dimensional materials.Here,we report on significant developments in the code since 2016,namely:a transport module for the calculation of charge carrier mobility under electric and magnetic fields using the Boltzmann transport equation;a superconductivity module for calculations of phonon-mediated superconductors using the anisotropic multi-band Eliashberg theory;an optics module for calculations of phonon-assisted indirect transitions;a module for the calculation of small and large polarons without supercells;and a module for calculating band structure renormalization and temperature-dependent optical spectra using the special displacement method.For each capability,we outline the methodology and implementation and provide example calculations.
基金supported by Research Grant from the University of Brescia(to Memo M).
文摘Mice use ultrasonic vocalizations(USVs)to communicate each other and to convey their emotional state.USVs have been greatly characterized in specific life phases and contexts,such as mother isolation-induced USVs for pups or female-induced USVs for male mice during courtship.USVs can be acquired by means of specific tools and later analyzed on the base of both quantitative and qualitative parameters.Indeed,different ultrasonic call categories exist and have already been defined.The understanding of different calls meaning is still missing,and it will represent an essential step forward in the field of USVs.They have long been studied in the ethological context,but recently they emerged as a precious instrument to study pathologies characterized by deficits in communication,in particular neurodevelopmental disorders(NDDs),such as autism spectrum disorders.This review covers the topics of USVs characteristics in mice,contexts for USVs emission and factors that modulate their expression.A particular focus will be devoted to mouse USVs in the context of NDDs.Indeed,several NDDs murine models exist and an intense study of USVs is currently in progress,with the aim of both performing an early diagnosis and to find a pharmacological/behavioral intervention to improve patients’quality of life.
文摘颅内脑电图对癫痫发作模式的研究对癫痫灶的精确定位和指导成功切除有重要作用。它也引出了癫痫发生机制相关的重要病理生理问题。目前,植入硬膜下和深部电极等记录方式已经描述了几种癫痫发作模式(主要是颞叶癫痫和伴有异质新皮层病变的癫痫)。研究分析了53例患者的连续性队列资料,所有患者均行立体定向脑电图(SEEG)监测,且病理证实为皮质发育畸形(Malformation of cortical development,MCD)——局灶性皮质发育不良(Focal cortical dysplasia,FCD)和神经发育肿瘤(Neurodevelopmental tumors,NDTs)。通过对视觉和时间-频率的分析,证实了存在6种癫痫发作模式:低压快波活动(Low-voltage fast activity,LVFA);发作前棘波继之LVFA;爆发性多棘波继之LVFA;慢波/直流电漂移继之LVFA;θ或α尖波;节律性棘波/棘波。结果表明包含LVFA的模式(83%)普遍性较高,但是LVFA并不是癫痫发作的一个固定特征。癫痫发作模式和组织学类型具有相关性(P=0.01)。更加普遍的模式如下:(1)FCDⅠ型:LVFA占23.1%,慢波/基线漂移继之LVFA占15.4%;(2)FCDⅡ型:爆发性多棘波继之LVFA占31%,LVFA占27.6%;发作前棘波继之LVFA占27.6%;(3)NDTs:LVFA占54.5%。发现包含LVFA的癫痫发作模式与较好的手术预后具有相关性,但癫痫灶切除的完整性是一个独立预测因子;FCD和NDTs有6种不同的癫痫发作模式;包含LVFA的癫痫发作模式的患者手术预后更好。
文摘This study evaluated the effect of item inversion on the construct validity and reliability of psychometric scales and proposed a theoretical framework for the evaluation of the psychometric properties of data gathered with psychometric instruments. To this propose, we used the Maslach Burnout Inventory, which is the most used psychometric inventory to measure burnout in different professional context (Students, Teachers, Police, Doctors, Nurses, etc…). The version of the MBI used was the MBI-Student Survey (MBI-SS). This inventory is composed of three key dimensions: Exhaustion, Cynicism and Professional Efficacy. The two first dimensions—which have positive formulated items—are moderate to strong positive correlated, and show moderate to strong negative correlations with the 3rd dimension—which has negative formulated items. We tested the hypothesis that, in college students, formulating the 3rd dimension of burnout as Inefficacy (reverting the negatively worded items in the Efficacy dimension) improves the correlation of the 3rd dimension with the other two dimensions, improves its internal consistency, and the overall MBI-SS’ construct validity and reliability. Confirmatory factor analysis results, estimated by Maximum Likelihood, revealed adequate factorial fit for both forms of the MBI-SS (with Efficacy) vs. the MBI-SSi (with Inefficacy). Also both forms showed adequate convergent and discriminant related validity. However, reliability and convergent validity were higher for the MBI-SSi. There were also stronger (positive) correlations between the 3 factors in MBI-SSi than the ones observed in MBI-SS. Results show that positively rewording of the 3rd dimension of the MBI-SS improves its validity and reliability. We therefore propose that the 3rd dimension of the MBI-SS should be named Professional Inefficacy and its items should be positively worded.
文摘BACKGROUND During the COVID-19 pandemic,the implementation of telemedicine has represented a new potential option for outpatient care.The aim of our study was to evaluate digital literacy among cardiology outpatients.METHODS From March to June 2020,a survey on telehealth among cardiology outpatients was performed.Digital literacy was investigated through six main domains:age;sex;educational level;internet access;availability of internet sources;knowledge and use of teleconference software programs.RESULTS The study included 1067 patients,median age 70 years,41.3%females.The majority of the patients(58.0%)had a secondary school degree,but among patients aged≥75 years old the most represented educational level was primary school or none.Overall,for internet access,there was a splitting between"never"(42.1%)and"every day"(41.0%),while only 2.7%answered"at least 1/month"and 14.2%"at least 1/week".In the total population,the most used devices for internet access were smartphones(59.0%),and WhatsApp represented the most used app(57.3%).Internet users were younger compared to non-internet users(63 vs.78 years old,respectively)and with a higher educational level.Age and educational level were associated with nonuse of internet(age-per 10-year increase odds ratio(OR)=3.07,95%CI:2.54-3.71,secondary school OR=0.18,95%CI:0.12-0.26,university OR=0.05,95%CI:0.02-0.10).CONCLUSIONS Telemedicine represents an appealing option to implement medical practice,and for its development it is important to address the gaps in patients’digital skills,with age and educational level being key factors in this setting.
基金supported in part by a State High-Tech Development Plan (the "863 Program")Award (No. 2014AA020526) a National Natural Science Foundation of China grant (No. 31471017) to Yanshan Fang+1 种基金an Ellison Medical Foundation Senior Scholar Awardan NIH EUREKA award (No. 1R01NS066312) to Nancy M. Bonini
文摘Axon degeneration and regeneration are processes that are central to neural insults including spinal cord iniury, brain trauma, ischemia, infection, inflammation, neuro- degenerative diseases, and aging （Conforti et al., 2014）. Injured axons undergo progressive self-destruction, termed ＂Wallerian degeneration＂, which is named after August Volney Waller who was the first to describe de- generation of severed nerves in 1850 - the injured nerve fibers become fragmented like threaded beads and are gradually cleared away.
文摘Background: Pain perception may result from orthodontic treatment and should be considered in clinical management. Its assessment should not be limited to the intensity of perceived pain but should also consider the psychosocial and behavioral aspects involved. Objective: The aims of this study were to adapt and validate the Multidimensional Pain Inventory (MPI) for orthodontic patients, and present a proposal to calculate an overall score of the pain-related aspects and compare these scores with the usual methodology used. Methods: Face validity of the MPI was estimated and orthodontic version (MPI-Orthodontic) was developed. Factorial validity was evaluated by confirmatory analysis. Convergent and discriminant validity and reliability were estimated. The fit of Second-Order Hierarchical Models was estimated. Concurrent validity of MPI-Orthodontic was evaluated against the Visual Analogue Scale. Invariance of the factorial models was evaluated for independent samples and according to sex and age. Overall score was calculated using the matrix of regression weights and compared to simple arithmetic mean. Results: 507 individuals (63.3% women;age: 26.32 (SD = 11.70) years) participated. For the fit of Part I (psychosocial aspects) of the MPI-Orthodontic, it added correlation between two items and excluded one item;for Part II (behavioral aspects) two items were excluded. The models presented adequate fit to the sample. Reliability was adequate. MPI-Orthodontic presented invariance for independent samples and adequate concurrent and divergent validity. Score obtained with the simple arithmetic mean was overestimated for Part I and underestimated for Part II. Conclusion: MPI-Orthodontic was valid, reliable and invariant for the evaluation of the orthodontic pain. It is recommended to calculate overall weighted scores for pain assessment.
文摘Formation of new blood vessels is paramount for tumour growth and metastatic dissemination and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is one of the key regulators of this process. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the immunohistochemical expression of VEGF in 23 splenic hemangiosarcomas and 7 splenic hemangiomas in dogs. Blood tests performed previous to splenectomy were analysed for correlation with tumour VEGF expression. Results showed significantly higher VEGF expression in hemangiosarcomas than hemangiomas and lower hematocrit values and red cell count in dogs affected with malignant neoplasia (P < 0.05). These findings suggest the presence of high VEGF levels may be related to the malignant vascular proliferation seen in hemangiosarcomas.
文摘This paper presents a novel analysis tool based on partial discharge(PD)pulses waveform to determinate deterioration process as the fault evolves carbonizing the insulating medium in epoxy resin specimens.The PD pulses were acquired in the laboratory under controlled conditions;specially designed specimens were tested with a tip-flat electrode configuration immersed in a thermostable polymer(epoxy resin).Then,in the processing step,all acquired PD pulses were characterized with the Shannon entropy,and its variations along the deterioration process were studied.It was observed that the dispersion of this quantity increases with the deterioration of the medium,which allowed identifying different deterioration stages.The evolution of the deterioration has a correlation with the appearance of a greater number of pulses,whose entropy values diverge from average value(close to 2).These new pulses were analyzed using signal processing tools.It was found that there are important differences in the spectral content of each family,in the time-scale characteristics and in the energy distribution of the same frequency bands corresponding to each pulses family.In this work,the deterioration of epoxy resin specimens was characterized throughout the modifications observed in the characteristics of PD pulses during the entire failure process.It could be verified that there is information about the deterioration of the medium contained in the characteristics of the analyzed pulses.
